Garlieston Bay extends from Garlieston village and around the peninsula is the secluded Rigg Bay.

This wide sweeping beach of Garlieston lies just north of the village.

During the Second World War the village became part of the secret Mulberry Harbour project. The profile of the beach and sea bed at Garlieston was similar to that of the proposed harbour points in Normandy. Prototypes of three designs were trialled in Garlieston Harbour and at nearby Rigg Bay and Portyerrock. The remains of these floating harbours can be seen at low tide.

Parking for Rigg Bay is situated in the gardens and woodlands beside Galloway House Estate and walks through the gardens lead directly onto the seashore where you can enjoy the large sandy beach at your leisure; beyond you can continue to follow the coastal path to view the spectacular heights of Cruggleton Cliffs and the ruin of Cruggleton Castle.